A mother’s point of view:

“I didn’t want to have social workers in our life. I felt like I was being judged and looked down on…..I wanted to ask for help but I was scared if I told the truth my children would be taken away……I knew I needed help but I didn’t know how to ask for it and I was worried it might be held against me.”

What mothers say works for them:

  • I want you to be kind and I want to know I can trust you

  • I needed to know that someone believed in me

  • I want you to be honest – don’t pretend that things are ok if they aren’t.

  • I need to know I can trust you and there will be no surprises

  • I want you to be reliable and tell me what is  happening

  • I want to be listened to

  • I don’t want it to be held against me if I ask for support

Impact of MI on mothers:

  • Greater engagement in services and acceptance of help and support

  • Improved family relationships and family strengths

  • Strengths are recognised and confidence is built

  • Children remain safely in their care

  • Longer term positive outcomes for the whole family

  • Greater chance of sustained change and generational cycles can be broken